Multi-use training apparatuses

ABSTRACT

Multi-use training apparatuses including a base, a rotating support rotationally mounted to the base, and a bar pivotally mounted to the rotating support. The base defines a top and a vertically extending first axis. The rotating support is rotationally mounted on the top of the base in a position to rotate about the first axis. The rotating support includes a first projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a first port. The rotating support includes a second protection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a second port, the second projection being spaced from the first projection. The rotating support includes a fulcrum extending from the first projection to the second projection and supported within the first port and the second port, the fulcrum defining a second axis transverse to the first axis. The bar extends transverse to the second axis and is supported by the fulcrum at an intermediate longitudinal position of the bar.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/359,979, filed on Jun. 30, 2010.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses for athletic training. Specifically this disclosure contemplates apparatuses that enable balance training to provide a more satisfactory and multi-faceted workout.

Training apparatuses in the know art are not entirely satisfactory. Specifically, many known training apparatuses do not satisfactorily support balance exercise techniques, which are known to be important to developing an athletically fit core.

Additionally, there is a lack of training apparatuses that satisfactorily augment common exercises, such as push-ups, situps, and aerobic training, with balance training elements. Such common exercises may be augmented to develop core muscles by introducing balance training to the techniques. Many users would find an apparatus that supplements exercises already in their routine with balance training elements to be a convenient way to better develop their core. As a result, there is a need for apparatuses that introduce balance training in to athletes' workout routines in an elegant manner.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to multi-use training apparatuses including a base, a rotating support rotationally mounted to the base, and a bar pivotally mounted to the rotating support. The base defines a top and a vertically extending first axis. The rotating support is rotationally mounted on the top of the base in a position to rotate about the first axis. The rotating support includes a first projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a first port. The rotating support includes a second projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a second port, the second projection being spaced from the first projection. The rotating support includes a fulcrum extending from the first projection to the second projection and supported within the first port and the second putt, the fulcrum defining a second axis transverse to the first axis. The bar extends transverse to the second axis and is supported by the fulcrum at an intermediate longitudinal position of the bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user operating a first example of a multi-use training apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating three axes of rotation around which elements of the multi-use training apparatus rotate.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the multi-use training apparatus's components.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating an alternative position of a balance bar in phantom lines.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating an alternative position of a balance bar in phantom lines.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating an alternative position of a balance bar in phantom lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed multi-use training apparatuses will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of examples of multi-use training assistance apparatuses are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example at a multi-use training apparatus, multi-use training apparatus 100, that includes a base 110, a rotating support 140, a balancing bar 160, a left exercise attachment 170, a right exercise attachment 180, and a resistance band 190. Multi-use training apparatus 100 allows a user to perform efficient core exercises herein the user exercises his core by partially supporting himself on balancing bar 160 as it freely rotates about three axes of rotation while supported on the ground by base 110. Multi-use training apparatus 100's rotational functionality is augmented to adapt to different exercises by adding attachments, such as left exercise attachment 170 and resistance band 190. FIG. 1 illustrates a user using multi-use training apparatus 100 in a push-up like position.

As FIGS. 2-3 illustrate, multi-use training apparatus 100 includes base 110 configured to support multi-use training apparatus 100 on an external support surface. Base 110 defines a top 112, a bottom 114, and a base longitudinal midpoint 116. Base 110 includes a first resistance band interface 117, a second resistance band interface 118, a support platform 130, a first pad 126 i, a second 126 ii, and a bottom surface 128.

Base 110 defines a first axis a1 that extends vertically from base longitudinal midpoint 116 and base 110's lateral midpoint. As FIG. 2 illustrates, first axis a1 also extends through a center of support platform 130 and a center of rotating support 140. Although first axis a1 extends vertically from base 110 at this specific horizontal position, examples of multi-use training apparatuses may include first axes that project vertically from any horizontal position on base 110, in other embodiments, first axis a1 may be defined as vertically extending from a point on a support platform, a point on a pivot projection, or any other point on a base or support.

As FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 illustrate, base 110 includes support platform 130 projecting from its top. Support platform 130 includes eight bearing recesses 134, eight bearing rollers 136, and a pivot projection 132. In other examples, more bearing recesses and bearing roller sets are included. In further examples, less than eight bearing recesses and rollers are included. One, two, three, for, or more bearing recess and roller sets may be included. Support platform 130 is substantially circular in shape and is configured to support rotating support 140 in contact with bearing rollers 136 and centered on pivot projection 132.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, base 110 includes eight substantially cylindrical bearing recesses 134 recessed from the top of support platform 130. Within each cylindrical bearing recess 134, a bearing roller 136 is seated partially above the top of support platform 130. Each bearing; roller 136 is configured to rotate transverse to first axis a1. Rotating support 140 is configured to rest on all eight bearing rollers 136, allowing rotating support 140 to more easily rotate around first axis a1.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, support platform 130 additionally includes pivot projection 132 proximate support platform 130's center. Pivot projection 132 is substantially aligned with first axis a1. Pivot projection 132 is configured to be received by rotating support 140, which retains rotating support 140 substantially centered on support platform 130's center.

Turning attention to FIGS. 2 and 3, base 110 includes first pad 126 i and second pad 126 ii positioned on the top of base 110. As FIG. 2 shows, first pad 126 i is positioned on a first side of support platform 130, and second pad 126 ii is positioned on the side of support platform 130 opposite first pad 126 i. First pad 126 i and second pad 126 ii are each made of a compressible resilient foam. First pad 126 i and second pad 126 ii are configured to reduce or prevent harm caused by a user accidentally striking base 110 during exercise. First pad 126 i and second pad 126 ii also provide a comfortable and stable workout position for certain exercises, particularly those that implement resistance band 190.

As FIGS. 5 and 6 show, bottom surface 128 is positioned on bottom 114 of base 110. Bottom surface 128 defines a tacky surface that increases friction between base 110 and an external support surface, retaining supporting base 110 in a fixed position during operation.

As FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 show, base 110 includes first resistance band interface 117 spaced from support platform 130. First resistance band interface 117 includes a first aperture 119 i and a second aperture 119 ii. First aperture 119 i is routed through base 110 and is configured to receive a plug 192 positioned on a first end of resistance band 190. First aperture 119 i additionally includes a notch 120 i configured to selectively receive resistance band 190 by engaging tube 194 within notch 120 i, providing an alternative means of attachment. Second aperture 119 ii is routed through base 110 and is spaced from first aperture 119 i. Second aperture 119 ii substantially similar to first aperture 119 i and is configured to receive a second end of engaging tube 194 spaced from the first end.

As FIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate, base 110 includes second resistance band interface 118 spaced from support platform 130 on the side opposite first resistance band interface 117.

As shown in FIG. 2, multi-use training apparatus 100 includes rotating support 140 mounted on top of the base. Rotating support 140 includes a first projection 145, a second projection 150, and a pin 149.

As FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate, first projection 145 projects vertically from a first side of rotating support 140. First projection 145 includes a first port 146 facing toward rotating support 140's center.

As FIG. 4 illustrates, second projection 150 projects vertically from a second side of rotating support 140 on the opposite side of balancing bar 160 as first projection 145. Second projection 150 includes a second port 151 facing first port 146.

As FIG. 2 shows, pin 149 is routed from first port 146 to second port 151 through balancing bar 160. Pin 149 defines a journal portion 154 within the space between first port 146 and second 151. Pin 149 additionally defines a second axis a2 extending longitudinally through its center. As seen in FIG. 3, pin 149 includes a bolt 157 routed through first port 146 and second port 151 with a nut 158 retaining bolt 157 in position. However, pins may generally define any solid connection between first port 146 and second port 151.

Pin 149 defines a fulcrum, about which balancing bar 160 pivots. This disclosure specifically contemplates the use of other fulcrums that are not similar in design to pin 149, including, but not limited to, implementing a solid, single projection proximate the center of a rotating support configured to support a balance bar directly on its top.

Pin 149 defines a pin longitudinal midpoint 156, positioned midway between first projection 145 and second projection 150.

As FIGS. 2-3 illustrate, balancing bar 160 extends from a left hand portion 162 to a right hand portion 163, which may alternatively be described as a first hand portion and a second hand portion, respectively, and is rotationally mounted on pin 149. Balancing bar 160 includes a bore 161, a tube wall 199, a left hand plurality of detent mechanisms 165 on left hand portion 162, and a right hand plurality of detent mechanisms 168 on right hand portion 163. Balancing bar 160 substantially defines a hollow cylindrical tube with an interior. Balancing bar 160 is configured to receive journal portion 154 within bore 161, allowing balancing bar 160 to rotate longitudinally around second axis a2. Balancing bar 160 additionally defines an axis of rotation, axis a3, extending through its center.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, balancing bar 160 includes three detent mechanisms 165 spaced from bore 161 on left hand portion 162. Each detent mechanism 165 and detent mechanism 168 are routed through a detent port 169 on the exterior of balancing bar 160 opening to balancing bar 160's interior. Each detent mechanisms 165 and detent mechanism 168 includes a pin 166 and a spring 167. Each pin 166 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bar proximate the corresponding detent port 169 in a recessed state substantially flush with balancing bar 160. Spring 167 biases the corresponding pin 166 through the corresponding detent port 169 towards a projected state projecting from balancing bar 160.

As FIG. 3 shows, detent mechanisms 165 and detent mechanisms 168 are substantially similar. However, detent mechanisms 165 are spaced from one another on left hand portion 162. They are so configured to provide a set of alternative attachment points for left exercise attachment 170. Detest mechanisms 168 are spaced from another on right hand portion 163 to provide similar functionality on that side.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, multi-use training apparatus 100 includes left exercise attachment 170, which substantially defines an elongated, tubular handle 179 with a hollow interior configured to slidingly receive left hand portion 162 of balancing bar 160 via an exercise attachment bore 172 when each detent mechanism 165 is in a recessed state. Left exercise attachment 170 includes a cap 171, a slip resistant exterior surface 173, and a detent receiver 175.

Left exercise attachment 170 is configured to rotate around the third axis, allowing the user to augment their workout by balancing on another axis of rotation. Additionally, left exercise attachment 170 is configured to lock in position at alternate positions by receiving a selected detent mechanism 165 in detent receiver 175.

When used in this manner, left exercise attachment 170 substantially defines a bar extender and selectively extends beyond the left hand portion of the bar. As a user selects a detent mechanism 165 more distal bore 161, left exercise attachment 170 extends further beyond left hand portion 162. A user may attach right exercise attachment 180 to a selected position over right hand portion 163 in a similar manner.

Left exercise attachment 170 includes slip resistant exterior surface 173 made of a rough and/or tacky material, such as a textured rubber or a textured plastic. Slip resistant exterior surface 173 prevents a user's hand from slipping during operation. Left exercise attachment 170 additionally includes cap 171, providing additional support to retain a user's hand on left exercise attachment 170 during operation.

As FIGS. 1-6 all show, right exercise attachment 180 is substantially similar to left exercise attachment 170 and is configured to similarly slidingly receive right hand portion 163 of balancing bar 160. As FIG. 1 illustrates, left exercise attachment 170 and right exercise attachment 180 are each individually connected to balancing bar 160, which allows a user to manipulate each exercise element with a single hand. As a result, left exercise attachment 170 and right exercise attachment 180 provide a user with the opportunity to augment multi-use training apparatus 100's with one or more exercise attachments that provide various functions. Although left exercise attachment 170 is supported by sliding balancing bar 160 within its interior, this disclosure specifically contemplates exercise attachments that are supported other ways, including, but not limited to, inserting a portion of an element within balancing bar 160's interior or extending vertically proximate a detent mechanism.

As FIG. 2 illustrates, multi-use training apparatus 100 additionally includes resistance band 190. Resistance band 190 includes plug 192 and engaging tube 194. Resistance band 190 defines an elongated, flexible, resilient tube configured to extend in length when stretched by a user. As previously mentioned, resistance band 190 may be attached to base 110 in two ways: by placing plug 192 in an aperture of base 110, or by routing engaging tube 194 through a notch of the base. This disclosure specifically contemplates routing a single resistance band through the notches of multiple apertures to allow a user to achieve a two-handed resistance workout with a single resistance band.

This example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 includes exercise attachments with tacky grips, but such rips are not required. Additionally, FIG. 1 includes straight bars that are predominantly cylindrical in shape. This disclosure specifically contemplates bar-shaped exercise attachments of non-cylindrical shapes, including shapes that define projections of any polygonal, elliptical, or non-polygonal shapes. Additionally or alternatively, the bar may include projections or depressions for the purpose of grip or adaptability to different exercises.

Additionally or alternatively, bar-shaped exercise attachments are not required to project straight outward from the balance assembly and exercise element attachment means. Examples may include, but are not limited to, bars that have one or more curves and bars that include one or more joints along its length.

This disclosure specifically contemplates the use of an array of exercise attachments adapted to different exercises to be used with multi-use training devices. The exercise element attachment means may allow for selective removal and attachment of exercise attachments from multi-use training apparatuses. One specific example of such exercise attachments includes two buckets or channels designed to be kneeled in by a user. This example would allow the user to incorporate balance training in to any exercise performed while kneeling.

Additional exercise attachments that may be implemented with a multi-use training apparatus are a means for performing roe exercises, a means for performing resistance-based training exercises, and other designs that allow the user to support herself on the exercise attachments.

Nothing in this disclosure is to be read as limiting use training elements to a single shape or construction material. As a specific, non-limiting example, multi-use training apparatuses may include bases, base projections, and support elements that substantially define, including, but not limited to, polygonal, elliptical, and non-polygonal, non-elliptical shapes. Other elements are not limited to their illustrated shape in the figures.

Additionally or alternatively, multi-use training apparatus elements may be constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, both rigid and flexible plastics, rubbers, metals, woods, and other materials generally used in the production of athletic training equipment. Multi-use training apparatus elements may also be constructed of any combination of these materials. As non-exclusive examples, portions of the base or exercise attachments may include parts constructed using a soft or tacky material to provide better grip.

The exercise attachments illustrated in FIG. 1-6 include round end caps attached to the ends of the exercise attachments opposite the balance assembly. This specific design is not required, and this disclosure specifically contemplates an means of limiting the rotation of exercise attachments to be attached at the end of exercise attachments. Rotation limiting means are not limited to multi-use training apparatuses including bar shaped exercise attachments and may be attached to any exercise element design.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A multi-use training apparatus, including: a base defining: a top; and a vertically extending first axis; a rotating support rotationally mounted on the top of the base in a position to rotate about the first axis, the rotating support including: a first projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a first port; a second projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a second port, the second projection being spaced from the first projection; and a fulcrum extending from the first projection to the second projection and supporter within the first port and the second port, the fulcrum defining a second axis transverse to the first axis; and a bar extending transverse to the second axis and supported by the fulcrum at an intermediate longitudinal position of the bar.
 2. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar defines a bar bore that extends laterally through the intermediate longitudinal position of the bar; and the fulcrum defines a journal portion that is supported within the bar bore.
 3. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotating support is positioned proximate a longitudinal midpoint of the base.
 4. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar defines a first hand portion and a second hand portion opposite the bar bore from the first hand portion, the first hand portion and the second hand portion being the same length.
 5. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first axis extends through the center of the rotating support.
 6. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first axis extends through a longitudinal midpoint of the fulcrum.
 7. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar defines a first hand portion and a second hand portion opposite the bar bore from the first hand portion; and further comprising an exercise attachment defining an attachment bore complimentarily configured with the bar to slidingly receive at least a portion of the first hand portion within the attachment bore.
 8. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the bar includes a detest mechanism spaced from the bar bore and configured to selectively engage the exercise attachment to restrict the exercise attachment from sliding relative to the bar and to selectively disengage from the exercise attachment to allow the exercise attachment to slide relative to the bar.
 9. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the bar defines a hollow tube with a tube wall and a detent port extending through the tube wall; the detent mechanism is mounted inside the hollow tube and includes: a pin oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bar proximate the detent port in a recessed state substantially flush with the bar, and a spring biasing the pin through the detent port towards a projected state projecting from the bar; and the exercise attachment includes a receiver configured to receive the pin in the projected state when the receiver is aligned with the pin.
 10. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bar includes a plurality of detent mechanisms spaced from one another along the length of the bar.
 11. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the exercise attachment defines a handle including a slip resistant exterior surface configured to support a user's an in a fixed position on the handle.
 12. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the exercise attachment defines a bar extender configured to selectively extend beyond the first hand portion of the bar.
 13. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a resistance band interface supported on the base and configured to couple with a resistance band.
 14. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 13, wherein the resistance band interface includes a first aperture proximate configured to receive a plug on a first end of the resistance band.
 15. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the resistance band is resilient; and the resistance band interface includes a first aperture, which includes a notch configured to selectively secure the resistance band.
 16. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a compressible resilient pad mounted on the top of the base.
 17. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base defines a bottom opposite the top and includes a tacky bottom surface attached to the bottom of the base to increase friction between the base and an external surface supporting the base.
 18. The multi-use training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a bearing recess in the top of the base; and a roller rotationally seated within the bearing recess such that a portion of the roller extends above the top of the base, the roller being configured to rotate transverse the first axis and support the rotating support as it rotates about the first axis.
 19. A multi-use training apparatus adaptable for a variety of exercises, comprising: a base defining a base top and a vertically extending first axis, the base including: a support platform defining a platform top, the support platform including: a pivot projection projecting from the support platform proximate a center of the support platform, the first axis being aligned with the pivot projection; a bearing recess in the platform top and spaced from the pivot projection; and a roller seated within the bearing recess partially above the top of the support platform, the role configured to rotate transverse the first axis; and a rotating support in contact with the roller, the rotating support including: a pivot receiver configured to rotatably mount on the pivot projection; a bar support projecting vertically from the rotating support; and a fulcrum supported by the bar support and defining a second axis transverse to the first axis; and a bar rotatably supported by the fulcrum to rotate about the first axis.
 20. A multiuse training apparatus, comprising: a base; a bearing assembly supported by the base and defining a first axis extending vertically from the base; a rotating support supported by the bearing assembly and configured to rotate around the first axis on the bearing assembly, the rotating support including: a bar support extending vertically above the base, and a fulcrum supported bar support and defining a second axis transverse to the first axis; a bar rotationally mounted to the fulcrum at an intermediate portion of the bar and configured to rotate about the second axis, the bar defining a third axis transverse to the first axis and the second axis; an elongate handle comprised of a hollow tube portion complimentarily configured with the bar to slidingly receive the bar within the hollow tube portion and to rotate around the third axis. 